[RapidRider]

So I decided to do the Odyssey PC-535 mod, because the OEM battery was not impressive when it was much below 50 out.

I finished the install today, and made sure the new batt. was fully charged, topping it off with my trickle charger.

However tonight (30 F) the starter turned very slowly and the bike barely started. After I got to where I was going, upon return the engine started in a reasonably lively fashion.

Is the standard engine oil (20 - 50W) too thick for freezing temps, or does the bike have other problems?

 

[Classic11]

So I decided to do the Odyssey PC-535 mod, because the OEM battery was not impressive when it was much below 50 out.

I finished the install today, and made sure the new batt. was fully charged, topping it off with my trickle charger.

However tonight (30 F) the starter turned very slowly and the bike barely started. After I got to where I was going, upon return the engine started in a reasonably lively fashion.

Is the standard engine oil (20 - 50W) too thick for freezing temps, or does the bike have other problems?

My guess is your are on the right track with the viscosity of the oil. If you plan on going on a lot of rides you may want to switch to a lower first number aka the 20 needs to be a 0-10 and the final number needs to be the same or close. Make sure to add an oil stabilizer such as lucas to ensure the cold starts aren't too hard on the hard parts. Otherwise we use to put a shop light with a tarp wrapped around to heat the hydraulic oil in our log splitter. First number refers to viscosity before start, second is operating temp visc. Make sure if you do make the switch to get the 20w50 back in for warmer temps >50 :clap:

 

[yonderbob]

I switch to single malt, a kaftan, and the tv remote below 50 degrees. I would need a battery (and a heated seat) so powerful it would give new meaning to "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" :dizzy:

 

[RapidRider]

I do plan on riding throughout the season as long as the roads are dry. So I'll be changing to a more appropriate oil and post an update.

And yonderbob - I can handle cold a lot better than humid heat

 

[drDave]

I switch to single malt, a kaftan, and the tv remote below 50 degrees. I would need a battery (and a heated seat) so powerful it would give new meaning to "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" :dizzy:

Then you obviously want a Ducati Panigale, which magazines have reported will roast your prairie oysters if you ride it at less than track speeds, due to Ducati's inspired placement of a heat exhanger under the seat. I think it's Italy's answer to male birth control. . .

 

[drDave]

My BMW dealer recommended aways putting a capful of Star-Tron enzyme additive into the fuel, saying that it stabilizes it at cold temps and prevents sludging up. Haven't had any problems starting or riding the bike at 30 degrees, but like RapidRider, I am going to see how far down the bike and I can go. . .unlike Yonderbob, some of us don't live on Planet Florida. . .

 

[RapidRider]

I rode to the dealer today and discussed the situation. They agreed that a different viscosity oil might be in order. So I bought the BMW 10W-40 oil, new filter, an oil filter wrench (Assenmacher brand). Will change oil tomorrow.

Also I have to give a shout out to Sturgis BMW, they said "Well you missed out on Black Friday here yesterday, so how about we give you a rebate today", they took 25% off the total.

Will keep you posted!

 

[Hoshiko]

I switch to single malt, a kaftan, and the tv remote below 50 degrees. I would need a battery (and a heated seat) so powerful it would give new meaning to "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" :dizzy:

:funnypost:

Agree with the 10-40w. I ride way less during winter, basically enough to don't have to worry about winterizing the bike, for the moment I park on a heated garage so my starts are around 50-60 F.

I went for dinner last night and parked on the street, it was not really cold 35 F and did noticed the weird-slow start, and while riding home, the thermometer was blinking which means to be careful with black ice.

Another thing to consider is that with cold roads and tires, the traction is reduced so be careful out there.

 

[RapidRider]

I haven't changed the oil yet. Sunday brought wet snow and now I've been too busy w/ work. I do appreciate all of your insights - esp. about cold tires/roads !

 

[RapidRider]

Ok. I changed the oil yesterday, to 10W-40. The bike sits outside (I don't have a garage), and we hit a low of 6 F overnight. This morning when it was 20 outside I started it. It was a little reluctant to start, but got going w/o trouble. Definitely tons better than with the 20W-50 in there!

 

[drDave]

Yeesh. . .hope you have a battery tender. . .

 

[RapidRider]

Yeesh. . .hope you have a battery tender. . .

I have a grad student riding an exercise bike with a dynamo.